Remember: only make direct money transfers (through PayPal or any other transfer service, such as Western Union) to people whom you personally know and trust, such as close friends or family members. Doing so lessons your chances of getting scammed. See our Is PayPal Safe article for more details.

Also remember that sending money to someone through PayPal will result in transaction fees if you pay for it through your credit or debit card, or the money goes somewhere other than the U.S. or Canada. Our Is PayPal Free article outlines the exact costs (here).

Detailed instructions for sending money through PayPal

1. Log into PayPal.

2. Submit a request to send money through PayPal.

In the menu across the top of the screen, click Send & Request. Then, click Send Money to Friends and Family.

3. Type in the email address or phone number of the person whom you wish to send money to.

Click in the text box here and type in the email address or phone number associated with the PayPal account of the person whom you wish to send money to over PayPal. Then click Next.

4. Select how much money to send and what currency it will be in, and add an optional note.

Click on the dollar amount here and type in the amount of money that you wish to send to this person. Then, click the menu below it to decide what currency the amount will be in (remember, if the currency is different from your domestic one, there is a charge for conversion).

You can also click Write a Note and send a message along with the money (perhaps why it is being sent or what it is to be used for). When you’re ready to move on, click Continue.

5. Make any necessary changes, and confirm your transaction.

PayPal will show you a review of your transfer, including any fees that you will have to pay.

If you want to change the source of your money transfer (as you may be able to avoid transfer fees by doing so), scroll down to the “You’re Sending With” section and click Change Payment Method. A side bar will pop out on the right side of your screen; simply click on the new payment method that you wish to use.

When you’re all set, click Send Money Now.

That’s it; your money is on its way! Now you know how to send money through PayPal!